Rangers-Capitals in review

1) Remember last year when the Rangers were almost always the more physical team, the team that won more battles and dictated play, and often the faster team? I thought this was a game that kind of reminded me of last year more than any other this season.

2) Never mind the quick goal, which came on as scrambly a shift as they’ve had … well, one of the most scrambly. A goalpost, running around, a wide-open uncontested shot from above he right circle by a guy who can fire it. Terrible all-around.

3) But, I thought the Rangers recovered very quickly and, except for a few power-play failures, were the far better team the rest of the period, and the better team over the final 58 minutes.

4) Though the Rangers seemed to think they got some good looks on the power plays before the game-winner – and they did – I wasn’t convinced at all that things were turning. The same people kept coming over the boards with the same result, backing up, away from the net, not nearly enough movement of puck or feet, some really silly one-tap passes that you might do when your power play is on a roll, not the kind you attempt when it’s 5 for 48, 30th in the 30-team league.

5) And that said, the GWG came on a PPG that made you think, Wow. What in Holy Hell? Why can’t they do that more often? Maybe it was something the Capitals gave them. Maybe it just happened that Brad Richards won the draw and then when he circled back to the point the whole thing unfolded … Rick Nash to Richards to Michael Del Zotto for a beauty of a pass to Derek Stepan, who had moved to a scoring spot. Don’t take that last part for granted. You can have all the passes and talent in the world, but if guys don’t find open space, it won’t matter.

6) Anyway, they got it done, and once again Stepan, Carl Hagelin and Rich Nash were their best forwards all night long. Stepan’s been really good for a while now. Hagelin’s been great for even longer. Nash has been good all season – though he does seem to take some questionable penalties.

7) That boarding penalty called on Troy Brouwer, who hit Anton Stralman as he turned? Absolute pansification. That is not a penalty. This after a few nights earlier when Milan Lucic assaulted Nash, leaving his feet and launching himself at Nash’s head then driving it into the glass. Lucic’s crime was 10 times worse, and not called a penalty. But the NHL will tell you it’s cracking down on head shots. Blah, blah, blah.

8) Braden “Dryden” Holtby. Couldn’t be blamed for either goal. He faced a lot more rubber, but the guy down the other end was just as good.

9) I think that Darroll Powe was playing well enough that he’ll be missed, but this is another opportunity for Chris Kreider if Powe’s out for any length of time. And it looked pretty bad, like he was out cold, which means concussion, which means nobody knows.

10) Speaking of which, Tortorella got a little snippy when asked about the Rick Nash injury pregame. “None of your business,” he snapped. And people around the continent got ticked off about it. Why? Is this anything we really haven’t seen before? To be honest, the coach had been pretty good in his pressers to that point, and was again post-game. So he isn’t going to talk about injuries. Suddenly, writers all across North America think it’s disrecpectful? But half these clowns don’t get insulted when another team or coach gives them the “lower body injury” garbage, which is pretty much saying. “I’m lying to you.” To me, that’s worse than saying nothing, though Torts could have said it in a better way.

11) Brian Boyle was much more beastly than he’d been so far this season. Much more. Jeff Halpern played like he had something to show his former team. Those guys were really good on the PK against a very strong PP (though minus Mike Green, lower body injury lie). And that brings us to the best PKer, Ryan Callahan, who had a magnificent game all around, then, late, with the Caps having pulled Dryden Holtby trying to tie it, who went down in front of two shots? Do I even have to say it? Big as the building, again.

12) There were a couple of execs from USA Hockey at the game and in the lockerroom talking to all the Red, White and Blue kids – the Rangers lead the league in Americans and on Hockey Day in America, or whatever it was called, one of the U.S. kids got the game-winner in NYC. I think the execs spoke to every American-born Ranger, plus coaches Mike Sullivan and I’m assuming, John Tortorella, about the 2014 Olympics … which still aren’t a done deal, by the way.

224 Comments

Didn’t get to watch the game as closely as I would have liked to since I was entertaining family for my daughter’s -third- 26th birthday. It did seem more like the old Rangers were back. Boyle played big, Cally did what he does, Hank was strong…and a PPG.

And don’t look now ledge dwellers, but they’re 4-0-1 in their last 5 after starting 4-5. Awfully similar to last year after starting 3-3-3. I said last week that I felt they could possibly pick up 20-22 out of 28 points after the Boston game, which they wound up winning anyway.

Good game tonight. Need to win games like these. Hope Powe is ok. W/o loss to Isles (who went right out & spanked the Debs the next game) this team would be 8-2-0 in last ten. Only the Pens are hotter in the East. Now I’m as much of a buzz kill as the next NYRS fan but they’re actually playing pretty well. So…trade, bench and or demote everyone (and fire Torts).

Nice writeup, Carp, but you give the impression that the running around in their own end is an isolated case…I think they have a lot to work on in that area. My own take is that Lundquist bailed them out tonight and the score could have been much different without him. That’s why I volted him first star. Otherwise, in agreement with exception that I think Tortorella should try Boyle on the line with Gaborik. I’ll sound like a crazy saying this, but I think Gabby feels more comfortable with a large power center, even though that leaves Brad on the 3rd line, where he belongs so far this season. That would solve Boyle’s scoring problem. Overall, this win had me going to bed happy last night! And no shootout!

Right on Carpie. Even I, perhaps within the space, the most vocal critic of his play, agree that Stepan had an impressive game – his best of the season. He actually showed speed, quickness and stamina which leads me to believe the kid was woefully out of shape to start the season. The audition for USA Hockey execs may have added to his jump.

MDZ had a great pass to a wide open (yep, he got there!) Step, who FINISHED! A beauty!! MDZ sure does struggle sometimes on D, but he is a good offensive defenseman.

Boyle=monster
Callie=sacrifice his body all the time and so smart
Nash=adds so much to this group in so many ways
Hags=looks like he may be a top 2 line guy for real
Richards=looked a bit better, actually won a few key draws, still slow as a snail, average on D
McD=not one of his more solid games
Hank=saw the puck really well, deflected with accuracy to the corners, had a real solid game making a few key saves

Overall, 40 shots, many from the perimeter. Lots of hits. They looked better than the Caps and could have won by more.

Good job Carp. It did feel like last year, but boy is the Garden different(more on that later). While talking with my son on the way home from my first trip to MSG this year, your points #1, 3, 5, 13 definitely came up. Plus my phone died in the 3rd period so I didn’t get to read your review until this morning.

Having seen Holtby play here in Hershey, and in last year’s playoffs, he doesn’t surprise me (as Barry Melrose would say) “At Tall”. That said aboot the former Saskatoon Blade, that little OCD thing he does with his water bottle during stoppages (shooting the water into the air and watching it fall to the ice) had us wondering: When Stralman was called for what looked to us to be a phantom tripping call in the first and when Gabby blew a tire in the third (both plays about 5-10 feet to Holtby’s right). How much did the water squirting contribute to both plays?

We were sitting 4 rows behind Holtby and he squirted more water than he drank. I’m sure it’s not his intention to slush up the already iffy Garden ice, but it had us wondering.

We also formulated the theory that moving the blue seats and upper 200 level (former 300 level) seats farther from the ice, plus lifting the roof, plus the higher concentration of, let’s say, casual fans (blue bloods, as opposed to blue collar) in building are all contributing factors into transforming our beloved Garden into the world’s most famous mausoleum.

Happy 26th, Gravy’s kid!
I’m home with my little princess today. Just the two of us.

Great review, Carp! This is a few games now when they looked closer to last year’s team. And even though I was worried about them not being able to score the equalizer, deep inside it felt that they’ll get a W.

Speaking of equalizer, and speaking about those US Hockey Team execs/clowns. That goal happened because of McD. That was not a shot, it was a laser pass through traffic right on Hagelin’s tape for an empty netter. The kid has a great vision, and his abilities to pass and join the rush are underrated. Number 9 on the list my foot. Idiots.

I found much more right with this game than wrong. The rangers have been picking up points and that has been great.

Although coach Tortorella and yourself think Stepan has been playing well and certainly his line has been, he still passes way to much in lieu of taking the quality shot. I want him to succeed in the worst way, but hes got to getter better on faceoffs and hes got to shoot more.

Also it bugs me that Gaborik wasn’t on the 1st PP unit last night. Boyle had his best game since last years playoffs and if can continue to play stiff. deserves a spot. the shine is coming off Pyatt and now he is where is suppose to be not on the PP.

I think the team is slowly getting better and lets hope by playoff time we are a juggernaut.

If Lobster Newbury gets called up and Krieder gets sent down for the Powe injury, I’m gonna flip !

OH BTW tonight we are doing a radio show live from my underground lair in Sbarro’s on 33rd street in NYC. Starts at 8:30 EST

Back to #5 in your review Carp, it was illustrated to me last night how damn important faceoff wins are on the PP, especially in the offensive zone. When they win one clean and set up they have a chance.

Having Richards dump it in with the hope that Gaborik will work along the boards and dig out the puck…as Bill Pidto would say “Dicey”.

“Some really silly one-tap passes that you might do when your power play is on a roll, not the kind you attempt when it’s 5 for 48, 30th in the 30-team league.”

Um, to get your power play on a roll is precisely to commit to one-touch passes that move the defense and allow for easy goals such as Stephan’s, the kind of goal that hockey players live for. The notion that you should get your power-play going by lowering your ambition — that you are not yet entitled to do it right — is a bit caveman.

Always wonder why people feel it’s necessary to present their point in a manner that offends Carp and questions his hockey knowledge. Probably the same reason that makes those people change their screen name every time they post.

I thought they played a much better game last night. Nash is a monster but would love to see a few more pucks go in the net for him.
How bad is the NBC coverage? They mention all the teams that WOlski played for but not the Rangers? awful, even if he was a non impact player.

Overall, much grittier and got to love the way Hags is playing. Lets hope Powe isnt out long but it sure didnt look good.

The team will come together. Remember, they changed over a decent portion of the roster so without training camp it was gonna take some time for everyone to be on the right page, and it appears they are moving closer to that.

Miller had some good shifts early on, his penalty wasn’t great, but sometimes you can whack a guy’s stick and it’s fine other times the thing explodes. Overall he was only going to come back down to earth after his 2 goal game vs the Isles.

CT – Miller’s 2-goal performance against the Islanders shows that he has the offensive ability to become a top-six player for the Rangers. That – and the fact that the coach had him out on the ice in the last 5 minutes of a one-goal game last night speaks volumes. You can already see that he plays pretty well in traffic and is good along the wall. He’s going to be a strong all-around player when its all said and done.

I’ve never read where a 4th line center at best; Boyle gets so much press. Between here, NY papers and MSG network everyone makes him out to be this beast. A previous post hit it on the head. Next physical game and he disappears. Sitting Kreider,miller or any other starter in favor of this guy is ridiculous.

Didn’t say anything about whether he has the potential to be anything other than a solid top 6 type player. But much like Kreider in the playoffs , his hype after scoring a few big goals was a little outsized compared to what he actually did for a few games immediately afterwards. He’ll be a good player but in due time and last night he showed flashes of a good forecheck. Even with the caveat that it’s only been 6 games for him, I’d say it still appears he’s got a little while to go before he’s getting 18+ mins a night.

Carp, re # 10. We understand the way injuries are and aren’t disclosed and the reasons for that. Some coaches are able to deliver that message more respectfully than others. Torts needs to be mindful of the media and the job they are paid to do regardless of his personal feelings about their need to know. Respect is two way street. He should stop with the arrogant boorish responses. It’s quite immature and doesn’t play we’ll, especially in this town. Given the opportunity, the league will stick it to him every time and that will ultimately hurt the organization.

Speaking of prospects, I personally am curious as to how Christian Thomas would do, given a shot. With Powe’s uncertain status, Kreider will have at least a game or two to show he can drink Torts’ kool-aid. If not, I gotta think Thomas is the next kid up from Hartford. He’s a hard-working, two-way player with some Callahan-like qualities.

Thomas has scored four time in his last five games and is really starting to hit his stride. He has a great slap shot and wrost shot. There is a highlight on SNY of him scoring a goal last night where you can see that he has a big league shot. I think he may see a game or twoin the not too distant future. Can also skate well and hit.

Mashinter scored a nice goal as well in the game. I am sure his many fans on this blog will be happy to hear that.

Wicky

Mcilrath took on and took out Anthony Stewart, no slouch in the fistacuffs department. I am really hoping his game gets better fast enough so that he can help against the Milan Lucic types. We need it.

Is that the same Todd Bertuzzi who was traded at 23 ( along with Bryan McCabe, no less ) by the Islanders for Trevor Linden? And since they couldn’t afford to keep Linden for more than a year, they traded him for Mezei….

Sorry, my bad. They traded those two for the first round selection in 1999, and selected Mezei at #10. Mezei had a stellar NHL career playing in 240 games and scoring 24 points. One point in 10 games isn’t bad. Noe, that’s scouting!

Carp, one thing that’s still different from last year is that there really hasn’t been a game deserving of a review that lacked criticism. That’s not to say you’re criticizing them too much, just that it still doesn’t seem that they’ve played a 100% complete game (damn close in Boston but let it go in the third).
I honestly don’t know if we’ll see them dominate like last year until a few other guys can turn it on but at least they’re starting to find points which is really what matters most. Especially in a short season.

lol thanks for clearing that up, Ilb. Let me know if you want to converse about how well Timmy Thomas is going to play for them once he realizes how much he wants to be a part of their historic franchise and their new beginnings in Brooklyn.
: D

Agree, James, I said right from the moment last season ended that it would be more difficult to do it again (meaning the 51 wins, 109 points type of season), and then came the different makeup of the team.

I still think they will be more of a serious contender than last year, though if A) they ever get Nash, Richards and Gaborik going at the same time and B) if Hagelin and Kreider can be legit top-9 forwards, one of them a top-6 … which Hagelin is doing right now.

Cant wait for Asham to land a nice one to Prust’s jaw. Hopefully that will end a lot of nonsense going on here.

I really really really hope Powe is ok. I didnt see the game (got home and only caught the last 4 minutes), but I saw the replay of that hit. Scary stuff. Brought back memories of the Shanahan/Knuble incident.

Mr. 2001 you are indeed a “Space Odyssey” or more appropriately “Spaced No See”!

The writer who actually reads the posts before commenting knows my allegiance.

Apparently your memory lapses account for not rememembering 4 Cups by the Islanders while dethroning perhaps the greatest pro hockey lineup ever since the 80’s.

While our mismanaged Blueshirts have won but once in 72yrs. on gifts from the incompetent one, paid at a later date………….with zero to show for it! Maybe you and James could review this in your next session!

My theory about the Devils is that yes, they are a good team, but the opposition almost ALWAYS seems to miss tons of great chances or play poorly overall. Too coincidental not to give some credit to Lulu Armadillo for evidently being pervasive enough to infiltrate enemy psyche..

iLB2001, Hope lives,perhaps the sunshine of common sense is shining through!

Lev, why do you hate success? I guarantee if Master Lou had taken the Ranger offer years ago we would be celebrating several cups. Emulate success don’t disparage!

Of course after the interview with the least respected owner in the NHL ,he excused himself for a head call and immediately ran to the Port Authority terminal for the first bus to NJ. As they say, the rest is history!

Well, if I’m wrong about you being an Islanders toll, comnsnse, I apologize. But for some time your posts have shown anything but allegiance to NYR. And comparing the two franchises over the last 8-9 years is not seeing it well. Whether it’s Sather’s doing or not is irrelevant.

The only “staged” fights I’ve enjoyed was that opening brawl between NYR and NJD at MSG last year. THAT was cool stuff.. and I guess because it was sparked by Deboer-Tortorella it isn’t a true staging.. there was a purpose behind it..

We probably would keep Orr and Scott if they had any idea how to play hockey. Burke banished ORR to the AHL and told him if he ever wants to see the NHL again to re-create his game. Not Cooke style. From what I read apparently he did. Enough to get called up and play this year. Asham has always been able to actually play on the 4th line. Has a great sneaky shot as well.

2001, your apology is accepted but you mistake my lack of cheerleading for allegiance. As for comparing any two franchise over the last 13 years,the Rangers fail in every conceivable way. As Al Smith used to say,”let’s look at the record”!

Carp, you know who Al Smith was ,yes? Asham is appropriately named at this time in his career…….A sham!

Completely different styles of play when Orr was here and what we have now. There’s no question that Orr is one of the best fighters in the league. His knockout of Fedoruk will always have a special place in my mind. Up until 3 months ago Orr couldnt play hockey. Asham has played hockey for whatever number of years he’s been in the league. There’s your difference.

hey, i’m no fan of asham, but i’d rather have him or Prust (or Lucic or Simmonds, obviously) than any of those clowns who can’t play — Barch, Boulton, Janssen, Scott, Brashear, Boogaard, Testito, etc., etc.

And I like how you were telling us today that prospects are unproven but the other day we were underestimating the Islanders prospects because a franchise that’s managed to stunt or ruin the development of so many high end picks should be trusted to develop their latest batch of lottery picks.

Tavares must be really, really good considering how the Islanders didn’t develop him at all, basically just threw him into the NHL on his own, with a terrible coach…and then he makes PAP a household name…

O.K. Carp, you’re on the record. Time will tell! Clarkson would engage him as well.

Carp,you actually believe that 1:47 post? What did you have for lunch, Asham or Prust being compared with actual power forwards who score,stand in front of the net and can drop the gloves successfully?

Or like acquiring a contract of a guy that is never going to step on the ice for your team this season (Thomas) for the purposes of being able to sell off anybody that’s making any meaningful money? Or trading off Brian Rolston to a team for a slightly less dead cap hit? Or using cap hit loopholes to get rid of Mogilny and Malakhov’s cap hits?

And speaking of Parenteau a natural scorer and underestimated by Slappy and staff.

He is now doing quite well for the Lanche,with of course a very good center. Which btw most scoring wingers need,which is why Gabby is not scoring more as we try to find the right guy!

I am on the record as believing the Islander prospects ar every bit as good potentially as the Ranger group. Let’s not belabor the point.

Who is the top Ranger D prospect and when can we see him replace Bickel,Emminger,return reject and expensive Gilroy? You do remember that 2yr. 1.5 contract dished out by the Slappy disbursement committee?

reading comprehension is obviously an issue here. I didn’t compare Prust or Asham to Lucic. I said I’d take Asham or Prust over Scott And Janssen and Brashear and those types of cementheads who can’t play.

then added, that, obviously, I would prefer really good players who can also fight. The Rangers have none of those.

Kelly Clarkson wouldn’t go near Prust or Asham. Take that to the bank.

Carp, do you mean retaining a part of players cap hit/salary in a trade? I think it’s actually allowed in the new CBA. The details are sketchy still, the full CBA isn’t out yet. In Richards’ case, however, it may backfire if he decides to retire early. The Rangers may be on for the full hit.

If you wanted to keep a deterrent that actually contributed, you NEVER get rid of Simon.

Czech
agree with your evaluation about mcilrath. Hope he is here much sooner than later. End the gilroy fiasco.

ILB
didn’t they recall mashinter once before? I don’t think it is a Prust deterrent. I said last night right after Powe got injured I hoped mashinter gets a look (even if he does the gate will be left open and the he skates so slow…he sucks…doesn’t contribute crowd will be out in FULL force)

I would play him over kreider at this point. People complain boyle doesn’t use his size and kreider is 6’3 and 220lbs and uses his size less than boyle. I understand we are talking about a totally different offencive skill set between the two, but not using your size when you have it is bad regardless of your offencive skill set. I think this is one of the main reasons JT is kept over kreider right now.

The mad bomber scares the hell out of me in his own zone…period!

Cam Fowler…Seriously? He would NEVER make the roster in a Torts system. I’d rather keep the mad bomber on D.

The deterrent is only effective if he is ON THE ICE at the same time as the problem causer. The coach has to make a decision to take a “regular” guy out of his spot and adjust his lines for the game against the problem causer. Playing a man down if you will on each shift the problem causer is out there so to speak. The deterrent would work more often than not in that case, but you obviously lose out on your consistent lines.
A choice the coach has to make. I would have a deterrent out there every shift with a guy like lucic, but that is why I am getting ready to go to work and Torts is the coach.

Parenteau was available to the entire league when he was a FA after the 09-10 season. Nobody but the Isles took him. He didn’t get a full shot at the NHL until he was 26 with a team that’s basically a last resort/last shot to stick in the NHL for FAs. Let’s not make it seem like only the Rangers thought he was a marginal player.

You clarified it. That was in response to your “reading comprehension” remark.

The Bruins train will not be stopped by anyone in the East. I’d like to think the Penguins, Devils, or Rangers could knock them off in a 7 game series, but I doubt it. Injuries could derail them, there’s that possibility.

Your point is very basic: if you have a big tall guy in the lineup no one will dare go touch your star players. That point is proven wrong pretty much every single day across the league. And when the guys that you mentioned are in the lineup they still will never see the ice at the same Lucic plays because Lucic can play hockey. They will only be able to fight after an incident happens, then proceed to lose the fight, and the team will still have to deal with an injured player.

And I don’t doubt that the Isles top prospects probably have a higher ceiling than the Rangers, that happens when you draft in high positions because your franchise has no interest in trying to ice a competitive team. The issue is whether they’ll actually reach anything close to their ceiling simply because outside of a once in a generation talent (Tavares), the Isles have pretty much wasted several years worth of high draft picks by rushing them.

Wicky, answer please succinctly. Would Fowler fill a much needed role on the Rangers today? Repeat after me,MDZ is not a PP QB and never will be and as far as Tort’s “system” the best coaches in any sport adapt their game to their personnel.

You put players in a position to win and do not ask what they are not capable of giving!

Torts who is a passionate fuy is also a martinet which generally wears thin sonner rather than later.

And to repeat again, he has accomplished no more than Tom Renney who was the opposite,a teacher. I prefer the Renney method…………..with a real GM!

yes, tiki. I said I would rather have Prust or Asham than the other idiots. I also would pbviously rather have guys who can play and fight, like Lucic and Simmonds, than the other idiots. And if you insist that I extrapolate ($5 word) every thought, then I would rather have Crosby and Stamkos than John Scott and Donald Brashear, too. Clear enough?

Alfred Emmanuel smith. Loser of the 1928 election to Herbert Hoover. Best friends with mayor jimmy “lets go rangers” walker. First Roman Catholic to get the nomination of either major party for the presidency.

2001, I believe Redden was traded for Bryan Berard who but for an unfortunate eye injury would have been a standout D for many years. Of course Slappy did pick him up as he does all players who have left btheir best games elsewhere.

Carp, petulance is very unbecoming as is insulting what are simply observations and opinions that may not agree with yours, You’ll have to buy lunch if you expect unreserved adoration! ;)

Please don’t say a poster must “come to his/her senses” i.e reality in order to have a reasoned discourse with you,it trivializes relationships.

You’re ‘flagging me”? Particularly after those Clarkson comments, a 30 goaler,fearless in front of the net and will drop the gloves and whip any Ranger on this roster? Say you love me but respect me first! Be well.

cmon, you dismissed something I said by adding “the stress must be getting to me” … so I responded in kind. Don’t like it? that’s a shame.

Clarkson had about 30 opportunities to fight Prust while Prust was here, and didn’t dare. couldn’t get to the bench fast enough. Would I want a Clarkson on my team? Absolutely. But the though guy thing, he just isn’t.

CT,no he followed the lead of his boss there as well and was thrown under the bus by Kevin Lowe who the Rangers “Slappified with a couple of lucrative money years.

If there is one thing Slappy is known for it’s happily distributing Jimmy’s money to his friends. PS, Edmondton became a doormat under Slappy, like a certain other franchise they should have hired Lou the master! lol

Further obseravations
Carp: We’re really not the same team as lastyear and that might not be all that bad. We’re sort of a morphing of shot blocking with more talent and speed. One may slightly offset the other. I realize the caps have a xxxxx defense but we can really open up the ice against teams like the caps. We’re playing like an offensive press and when that happens you really tilt the ice and control 2/3 of the playing surface. Our problems are (3) (1) We have to startscoring given the opportunities, we’re not. On the PP we have to shoot more oftenrather than waiting for the perfect shot ie Gaborik; (2) When our top players take the nite off we’re screwed because we don’t have the depth of grit/speed ie.Prust Dubs, Atem, were getting there though & (3) Henrik needs another Sterling year. We have two things that offset what we lost off season: the skill of a highly talented player like Nash, the further development of Hags and Stephon and the addition of Miller and Kreider. Why can’t they let DZ play offense more; he’s got one freeken outlet pass. We have to lessen over-coaching; it helps some players and destroyes others. Is it true that they brough up Brandon Mashinter from the Whale. He’s 6’4 230 and was scoring over the last week or so. That’s what we need a MashMan. I’ve seen a few of this fights. Apparently, he’s a poor finisher.

lone, first of all, language warning, OK? Second, I think it’s widely misunderstood: They do want offense from Del Zotto. They want him to join the play. It’s not overcoaching to tell the kid, hey, that home run pass isn’t going to work against the Devils, for example. But they are trying to coax offense out of him, as well as others, like Staal and McDonagh.

as for the shooting thing on the PP, even as fans scream “shoot” (as if you’re supposed to shoot it through the defenseman’s chest), if you don’t A) get to open ice and B) get the puck to the man in open ice, there won’t be a shot. Occasionally they over pass it. But, really, what they should be looking for is an open shot, not just a shot.

please, the islanders!!! the islanders who have been drafting in the top 5 for at least 10 years and the only good player they have was a lottery pick. Those islanders? I would think they have good prospects but seem to finish in the bottom 5 every year. The Islanders organization is a complete joke. They hired a gm that was there starting goalie the year before and than retired and wang hired him as a GM. How has that worked out.